Cross-channel interstitial program promotion

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, a method for generating a personalized menu promoting other video programs available from a video content delivery system is disclosed. The video content delivery system provides a plurality of channels of video content simultaneously. In one step, it is determined that a triggering event has occurred with a video content delivery conduit. First information about one or more users is gathered. The one or more users are associated with an account with the video content delivery system. Alternative video programs are determined and personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information. The context for the triggering event is analyzed to produce second information. A configuration of the personalized menu is determined based, at least in part, upon the second information. The personalized menu is formulated for presentment to the one or more users. The personalized menu comprises links to the alternative video programs

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/393,724 filed on Mar. 18, 2003, which is a non-provisionalof U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/368,646 filed on Mar. 29,2002, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, filed on the same day as the present application, entitled“Video Advertising” (temporarily referenced by Attorney Docket No.019281-002810US), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates in general to video content delivery and,more specifically, to technology that improves the user interface ofvideo program delivery systems.

[0004] The technology for delivering content programs is growing quicklysuch that options available to consumers are expanding. With thisexpansion, consumers can be overwhelmed with the possible choices. Insome cases, adoption rates for this new technology suffers because theconsumers tend to avoid product that they do not understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is described in conjunction with theappended figures:

[0006]FIG. 1A is a block diagram that shows an embodiment of a programdelivery system in satellite communication with a content provider;

[0007]FIG. 1B is a block diagram that shows another embodiment of aprogram delivery system using satellite transmission to a group of settop boxes;

[0008]FIG. 1C is a block diagram that shows another embodiment of aprogram delivery system using satellite transmission to each set topbox;

[0009]FIG. 1D is a block diagram that shows another embodiment of aprogram delivery system having user customization and programs stored inthe headend;

[0010]FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a set topbox that stores programs, guide information and preferences locally;

[0011]FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aconventional set top box;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that shows a process for pre-storing aclub program local to the user;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a screen shot illustrating an embodiment of a userconfirmation footer that shows which user is likely interacting with theset top box;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a screen shot illustrating another embodiment of a userconfirmation footer that shows which user is currently interacting withthe set top box;

[0015]FIGS. 6A and 6B are screen shots illustrating embodiments of anoverlay menu cross-promoting other programs in a manner customized forthe user;

[0016]FIGS. 7A and 7B are screen shots illustrating embodiments of anoverlay menu cross-promoting other programs customized for the user;

[0017]FIGS. 8A and 8B are screen shots illustrating embodiments of anoverlay menu cross-promoting other programs in a manner customized forthe user;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a processfor determining preferences for a user;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a processfor determining and confirming the user currently using the set top box;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a screen shot depicting an embodiment of a guideshowing promotional information for a number of programs;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a screen shot illustrating another embodiment of theguide showing promotional information for a number of programs;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a screen shot illustrating an embodiment of a guideshowing a linear schedule of programs where a program can be selectedfor further information;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a screen shot illustrating another embodiment of theguide showing a linear schedule of programs where a column of programscan be selected for further information;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a screen shot illustrating yet another embodiment ofthe guide showing a linear schedule of programs customized for the user;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a screen shot illustrating an embodiment of letterboxscreen with menu information in unused portions;

[0026]FIG. 17 is a screen shot illustrating an embodiment of a pillarbox screen with menu information in unused portions;

[0027]FIG. 18A is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forcross-promotion when viewing of a club program is unsuccessfullyattempted;

[0028]FIG. 18B is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forcross-promotion when viewing of a stored program is ended, stopped orpaused;

[0029]FIG. 18C is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forcross-promotion when tuning channels;

[0030]FIG. 18D is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forcross-promotion during a commercial break;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forauthorizing and monitoring curtailment of advertising;

[0032]FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forimplementing the curtailment of advertising;

[0033]FIG. 21A is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with interlineated commercials;

[0034]FIG. 21B is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with interlineated commercials that can beindividually skipped;

[0035]FIG. 21C is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with interlineated commercial breaks that can beselectively skipped;

[0036]FIG. 21D is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with up-front commercials that cannot be skipped;

[0037]FIG. 21E is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with commercials that are automatically removed fromthe program; and

[0038]FIG. 21F is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process forplaying a program with commercial subsets that are automatically removedfrom the program.

[0039] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features mayhave the same reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash anda second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If onlythe first reference label is used in the specification, the descriptionis applicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The ensuing description provides preferred exemplaryembodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope,applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuingdescription of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing apreferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understoodthat various changes may be made in the function and arrangement ofelements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset for in the appended claims.

[0041] Referring first to FIG. 1A, a block diagram is shown of anembodiment of a program delivery system 100-1 in satellite communicationwith a content provider 130. This embodiment only depicts one contentprovider 130, but typically there are many content providers 130. Theprogram delivery system 100-1 takes the content and delivers it to settop boxes 120. The users with the set top boxes are billed by theprogram delivery system 100-1 in a variety of ways.

[0042] The depicted content provider 130 communicates via a satellite140 with the program delivery system 100-1. Other embodiments could havecontent providers 130 that could also use a wide area network 110, aterrestrial antenna 112, a media reader 122, and/or other distributiontechniques. The wide area network 110 could be a private or publicnetwork. Distribution on a public network, such as the Internet, couldbe protected by encryption and/or virtual private network (VPN)techniques. The terrestrial antennae 112 could accept content broadcastby local stations, sent by microwave link, or other wireless techniques.Any type of portable media could be read by various embodiments of themedia reader 122. For example, a media reader could input content frommagnetic tape, film, optical disk, flash drives, hard drives, magneticdisks, holographic media, etc.

[0043] This embodiment of the content provider 130 includes a satellitedish 116, a content distribution facility 132 and a content store 136.The satellite dish 116 is used to connect via the satellite 140 toanother satellite dish of the program delivery system 100-1. Someembodiments could have a number of program delivery systems 100 thatcommunicate with the content provider 130 to receive programs forgeographically disparate set top boxes 120. The content store 136 isused to hold programs on tapes, optical drives, magnetic drives, and/orother storage mediums. The content distribution facility 132 retrieves,edits, formats, and transmits the content. Program guide information,program schedule, promotional audio and/or video is also forwarded bythe content distribution facility 132 and stored in a guide database 164for use in populating navigation menus.

[0044] The program delivery system 100-1 delivers the programs fromvarious content providers 130 to the set top boxes 120 of the users.Many different topologies are used to deliver the programs. Atransmission system is a mix of fiber, coaxial cable, microwavedatalink, and/or VDSL that is used to distribute the content to set topboxes 120. Neighborhood nodes or hubs could be included in thetransmission system 108.

[0045] Some programs are relayed in real-time, while others are storedin a headend store 144 for later delivery. For example, a local networkchannel could be received on the terrestrial antennae 112 and coupled tothe transmission system 108 for immediate delivery to the set top boxesaccording to a linear schedule. Some programs could be held in theheadend store 144 for viewing in a linear schedule or on demand. In somecases, programs could be distributed to a neighborhood store 148 fordistribution according to a linear schedule or on demand.

[0046] A number of neighborhood stores 148 could be distributed toneighborhood nodes in a larger metropolitan area such that there aresufficient singlecast channels between each store 148 and cluster of settop boxes 120. On a singlecast channel, the user can control playback ofa content residing on the neighborhood store 148. The programs could bevideo on demand (VOD), subscription video on demand (SVOD) or programsfrom the linear schedule recorded for the user.

[0047] The guide database 164 has program descriptions, ratings,advertisements, schedule times, pricing, usage limits and promotionalvideo and/or audio for the content available to the program deliverysystem 100-1. The guide database 164 could be populated by the contentprovider and/or a third party that gathers this type of information.Some embodiments could download relevant portions of the guide database164 to each set top box 120 for browsing. Also, a web site could showthis information in addition to making it available through the set topbox 120. Programs could be selected for recording and subscriptionscould be ordered through the web site. One embodiment could formulatethe guide screens with information from the guide database 164 forsinglecast to a particular user or set top box 120.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 1B, a block diagram that shows anotherembodiment of a program delivery system 100-2 using satellitetransmission to a group of set top boxes 120 is shown. This embodimentuses a transmission system 108 that receives content from the headend124 by way of a satellite 154. The guide database 164 is updated throughthe WAN 110 and/or a satellite data channel. Some or all programs resideon a neighborhood store 148. The guide database 164 is used to provideguide information screens that are singlecasted to a particular set topbox 120. At the set top box 120, manipulations of the displayedinformation are relayed back to the neighborhood node in order to changethe singlecasted menus and content stream.

[0049] The presentation of information from the set top box 120 can becustomized for particular set top boxes 120, households and/or users. Apreference database 160 stores customization parameters to facilitatethe personalization of the set top box interface. The personalizationcan be per user, household or set top box 120 under the direction of theuser. Information such as viewing habits, preferences, menucustomizations, favorite shows, programs scheduled for recording,channel nicknames, parental controls, etc., can be stored in thepreference database 160 for use by the transmission system 108. Forexample, the transmission system 108 can customize the menussinglecasted to a user based upon information in the preference database160. The preference information can be passively gathered by trackingusers and/or actively gathered by the user answering questions.

[0050] The transmission system 108 could communicate with the set topboxes 120 using a variety of media. Some embodiments could use ethernet,optical fiber, coaxial cable, carrier current data transport, and/orVDSL. The set top box 120 for the various media would have a portcapable of interfacing to the particular media. Embodiments could usemore than one media. For example, VDSL could be used to bring one ormore channels to the user location, but distribution within the userlocation could use carrier-current networking through the power lines toother set top boxes 120 in the user location.

[0051] Referring next to FIG. 1C, a block diagram that shows anotherembodiment of a program delivery system 100-3 using satellitetransmission to each set top box 120. The content is relayed bysatellite 154 to a satellite receiver 158 coupled to each set top box120. This embodiment has a return data channel through the plain oldtelephone system (POTS), but other embodiments could use a WAN, theInternet, a satellite uplink, a wireless network, etc. Each set top box120 in this embodiment includes a guide database 164, preferencedatabase 160 and store for programs.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 1D, a block diagram that shows anotherembodiment of a program delivery system 100-4 having user customizationand programs stored at the headend 124 is shown. This embodimentsinglecasts menu screens and at least some programs from the headend 124to individual set top boxes 120. The specific topology could be fiberfrom the headend to a user location or neighborhood node. Programs aresent in a linear schedule or with VOD control. Those programs with VODcontrol are recorded in the headend store 144. A user can specifyprograms from the linear schedule to be held in the headend store 144for the benefit of that user and perhaps, other users also. Thepreference database 160 and guide database 164 are maintained at theheadend for the benefit of the user. Interaction by the user with theset top box 120 is relayed back to the headend such that the menus andplayback is controlled.

[0053] Although some of the embodiments discuss a set top box separatefrom a television display, it is to be understood other embodimentscould include the set top box functionality as part of anothercomponent. For example, the set top box could be integrated into thetelevision set, digital video recorder, DVD recorder, or otheraudio/visual equipment.

[0054] Referring next to FIG. 2A, a block diagram illustrating anembodiment of a set top box 120 that stores guide information, programsand preferences locally is shown. This embodiment receives content andcontrol information over a common conduit, such as an optical fiber,VDSL line, or coaxial cable. The set top box 120 in this embodiment hasa hard drive or other storage medium, such as an optical disk, flashmemory, SRAM, removable disk, and/or magnetic tape. Included in the settop box 120 are a controller 204, a program store 208, a programreceiver 212, a display interface 216, a channel display 220, a controltransceiver 224, the preference database 160, and the guide database164. The set top box 120 could be combined with other equipment such asa television, a computer, a tuner, a home gateway, a digital musicplayer, a personal video recorder, etc.

[0055] The program receiver 212 tunes to one or more program streams todisplay and/or record them. Recordings are stored in the program store208. Playback of live or recorded programs is done by the displayinterface 216, which is coupled to a monitor, plasma panel, projectionsystem, or other display. The remote control receiver 228 receiveskeystrokes from a remote or other input device. Although some of theembodiments discuss the use of a remote control for activating certainfunctions, it is to be understood that other embodiments may includealternative methods for activating those functions. For example, voiceactivation, among other alternatives, may be used for such activation.The channel currently being played is shown on the channel display 220,which could also appear superimposed on the display.

[0056] The control transceiver 224 receives and sends controlinformation. Information for the guide database 164 is received by thecontrol transceiver 224 and could be customized by the delivery system100 for a particular set top box 120. Information in the preferencedatabase 160 along with billing and other information is passed by thecontrol receiver to the network node and/or headend 124. Programs couldbe passed through the control channel for storage in the program store208 in addition to passing through the more typical path of the programreceiver 212.

[0057] The program store 208 could be a video cassette recorder, adigital tape recorder, a hard drive, solid state storage, an opticaldrive, or other known storage mechanisms. The storage media could beremovable or non-removable. The storage device could be external to theset top box and coupled thereto with a dedicated cable, wirelesstransceiver, and/or packet switched network. In some embodiments, theprogram store 208 could be, for example, in a residential gateway, inanother computer on the network, in a network storage device, or in astorage device peripheral coupled to the set top box 120.

[0058] Operation of the set top box 120 is managed by the controller 204with use of supporting software and/or hardware. The guide database 164and preference database 160 are used by the controller 204 to presentmenu screens to the users of the set top box 120. Some embodiments ofthe set top box 120 customize the user interface according to theuser(s) interacting with the set top box. Biometric recognition, such asface recognition, voice recognition or keystroke recognition, could beused to determine the user. Alternative embodiments could augment orreplace the automatic recognition with a screen prompt or a button onthe remote. A button or switch on the remote could be assigned such thateach user could indicate his or her presence. Once the identity of theviewer is known, the set top box 120 is actively or passively updatesthe preferences for the viewer.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 2B, a block diagram illustrating anembodiment of a conventional set top box 120 is shown. This embodimentreceives linear programs in the conventional manner. Any programs fromthe linear schedule are recorded in the neighborhood node or the headend124 for respective storage in a neighborhood store 148 or headend store144. Those stored programs can be singlecasted to the set top box 120for later viewing. Similarly, the guide and preference databases 164,160 are maintained elsewhere, but used when singlecasting the menuinformation to the set top box 120 for display.

[0060] Referring next to FIG. 3, a flow diagram shows a process forpre-storing a club program at a user location. Club programs areprograms that are made available to a club member, such as, a user, userlocation, set top box, or other grouping of users. In this embodiment,the user location is subscribed to one or more linear premium channels.A package of club programs is offered with VOD control of playback as abenefit. Those club programs, that may or may not require additionalcompensation, also are scheduled in the linear schedule of those premiumchannels. Other embodiments could record programs without being tied toa program or could allow recording programs for a fee or some othercompensation.

[0061] The depicted portion of the process begins in step 350 where alinear schedule is analyzed to determine which programs to offer to theclub with local playback control. Typically, the desirable programs areoffered as club programs, but any scheme could be used. This embodimenttransfers the whole club program to the user location. The club programsare chosen by someone other than the user in this embodiment, forexample, the content provider 130 or multi-system operator (MSO). Someembodiments could allow the user to influence the shows that areincluded as club programs based upon the information in the preferencedatabase 160, while other embodiments could allow the user to selectprograms from the linear schedule to record.

[0062] In step 354, the club programs are broadcast to the club members.The broadcast of this embodiment can be done over one or more channels.The broadcast could be part of the linear schedule, at an unannouncedtime or in a hidden datastream not accessible to the user duringdownload. Typically, a time in the middle of the night or any other timeis used for the broadcast or multicast. If the set top box 120 has thecapability to tune multiple channels at one time, the speed of downloadcan be increased by downloading a program through multiple channels. Anytransport could be used for those program downloads, for example, MPEGor IP. It is to be further understood that other embodiments could use abroadband WAN or Internet connection to download the club programs.

[0063] The club programs are stored local or remote to the user locationin step 358. The program store 208, the neighborhood store 148 orheadend store 144 could hold the club programs in various embodiments.Some embodiments could store a first portion of the club program anddownload the remainder from a NVOD or broadband network connection whenviewing commences.

[0064] The guide database 164 includes information on the club programs.It could be that the guide database 164 is updated with information onall possible shows in the linear schedule as well as the club programson a regular basis. This embodiment downloads information from the guidedatabase 164 for the club programs. Alternatively, a basic set ofinformation could be first downloaded to the guide database 164 as partof a regular schedule. An augmented set of information could be laterdownloaded to the guide database 164 for the club programs that arerecorded.

[0065] In step 362, the user selects one of the club programs or otherstored programs for playback. The program can be selected from a menu orselected while watching a club program that is also being received inreal time from the linear schedule. The menu could be could becustomized according to the preferences of the user(s). The set top box120 retrieves the club program from the program store 208 when the clubprogram is selected for playback.

[0066] Playback of the club program can be fully controlled by the userin step 366. For example, the user can command the set top box 120 withthe remote control to fast forward, rewind, pause the playback, etc. Useof the club program could be limited in various ways during the month tocomply with any contractual requirements of the copyright holder, userspecified limits on costs, or parental controls, for example.Additionally, the set top box 120 could automatically erases the clubprogram when a window defined for its use by the content provider hasexpired (or some other condition has triggered) unless the copyrightholder allows other storage arrangements, such as, storage for onemonth, one year or indefinitely.

[0067] When the program store 208 is full or cannot record additionalcontent, older or lower priority recordings could be erased to make roomfor new items. For example, the program store 208 may have twenty hoursavailable to record. Club programs, limited by the user(s) preferences,could limit the amount recorded each month to 5 hours. After fourmonths, the twenty hours would be occupied. New recordings would writeover the oldest recordings. Further, a check for duplicates could beperformed before recording a club program again.

[0068] Referring next to FIG. 4, a rendering of what the user would seeon the television screen, i.e., a screen shot 408, illustrating anembodiment of a user confirmation footer 412 is shown that indicates theuser that is likely interacting with the set top box 120. In thisembodiment, four users 416 have been assigned to this set top box 120.Assignment can be done by the user or automatically. By comparing thecontent of the current show against historical data and by comparing thefrequency and duration of key presses of the remote control againsthistorical data, the set top box 120 determines who is watching thetelevision currently. Other embodiments could use face recognition todetect the user holding the remote or use other biometric techniques. Inthe depicted example, the determined user is User C, as is indicated bythe bolding of the User C indicator 416-3 of the user confirmationfooter 412.

[0069] The remote control allows the actual user to correct thedetermined user presented in the user confirmation footer 412. The usercan move focus to or highlight the footer 412 and navigate the boldedselection to the actual user that is currently viewing the television.Some embodiments may put a toggle switch on the remote to move boldingright or left with the toggling or may put a wheel knob that also movesbolding right or left. Alternatively, some remote controls may allowassigning a button to various users for selection when that user iscurrently viewing with the set top box 120. By confirming the actualuser, the viewing habits observed by the set top box 120 can be assignedto the proper profile in the preference database 160. Where only oneuser will normally use the set top box 120, the user confirmation footer412 could be disabled.

[0070] By knowing the user currently viewing the television, thefunctions of the set top box 120 and content available can be customizedfor that user according to a profile. The guide menus can be customizedfor the types of content that would appeal to the user. For example, theavailable SVOD, VOD, linear programs, and stored programs can be sortedaccording to those that would likely appeal to the user. For example, asports fan would be presented with sporting events before children'sshows. In some cases, the SVOD programs made available from contentproviders could be affected by the profile of the user. Further, eachuser could customize the menu colors, sounds, channels, parentalcontrol, etc. in their profile such that recognition of the user wouldactivate these customizations. In some embodiments of the set top box120 with local storage, the unused storage could be used to recordprograms that are likely to appeal to the user based upon their profileso long as all the tuners are not being used at the time. Alternatively,the program could be downloaded using a computer network, such as,DOCSIS or packet-switched protocols.

[0071] In order to use some user profiles, a password could be used toavoid unauthorized access to that configuration to implement a form ofparental control. For example, some profiles could allow access to adultcontent while others would not have that access. The set top box 120could determine the likely user, but not enable access to the adultcontent without a password or other authentication of identity. Whileviewing the content under parental control, the set top box 120 couldlater determine that the viewing user had changed to someone without theauthorization to view the content. The password could be requested tocontinue watching.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 5, a screen shot 408 illustrating anotherembodiment of a user confirmation footer 512 is shown that indicateswhich user is currently interacting with the set top box 120. Thisembodiment has two users configured to have profiles of their viewinghabits recorded. Where no data should be attributed to a particularprofile, a “guest” user 516-3 is provided. Where a user that does nothave a profile uses the set top box 120, the guest profile can keep theviewing habits of the guest from diluting any particular profile in thepreference database 160.

[0073] There may be other reasons to use the guest profile beyond when aguest is using the set top box 120. Anytime tracking of a user's viewinghabits is ill advised, the guest profile can be used. In thisembodiment, using the guest profile prevents tracking of the currentuser's viewing habits such that the preference database 160 is notupdated. Some embodiments could record the viewing habits associatedwith the guest to be used in forming a new profile in the same way ascreating a profile for User A 516-1 and User B 516-2. Alternatively, theguest profile could have default values that do not change with viewinghabits. While in the guest setting, some embodiments may disableauto-determination of the user currently interacting with the set topbox 120.

[0074] Referring next to FIGS. 6A and 6B, screen shots 408 illustratingembodiments of an overlay menu cross-promoting other programs in amanner customized for the user and/or context is shown. Cross-promotionof other channels occurs in several situations, such as, when a selectedprogram is unauthorized, viewing of a program is complete, paused orstopped; as a temporary overlay when switching channels; in the unusedportions of a letterbox or pillar box formatted program; or during thecommercial break period. Pillar box format can be used when wide formattelevisions display a program that is not in wide format such that ablank pillar is shown on both sides of the program. Conversely,letterbox format can be used when a wide format program is shown on ascreen that is not wide format such that there is unused screen aboveand below the program. When channel surfing or cycling through asequence of channels, an overlay menu 408 could appear over the newchannel for a short period of time, such as 2-3 seconds.

[0075] The overlay menu could cover the picture or a portion of thepicture. The cross-promotion could be for VOD, SVOD or club programs,previously recorded programs, programs playing currently in the linearschedule, or programs in the linear schedule that can be selected fordownload. The user can customize when the cross-promotion occurs in someembodiments and how long the overlay stays on the screen. Someembodiments could periodically present a cross promotion window overpart of the screen during normal viewing. This could be tied to certainevents in the program such as an intermission, commercial break, slowpoint in the drama, etc.

[0076] The overlay would eventually disappear unless the user startedtrying to navigate on the overlay in order to select one of the options.Some embodiments could show the overlay after changing to a new channel,but before the video picture is displayed. For digital video signals itcan take a few seconds before a video picture is displayed. Where thechannel has no signal or the signal is unauthorized, the overlay menu408 could remain active until another channel is chosen.

[0077] When a user stops viewing content from a particular contentprovider, other options could be suggested in the overlay menu 408. Theconfirmation footer 412 could display the determined user and adjust theoptions available in the overylay menu 408 accordingly. The overlay menu408 could be transparent or partially transparent. For example, theconfirmation footer 412 and the selection buttons 608, 612, 616, 620could be opaque, while the other portions of the screen show theunderlying video. Other embodiments could cover a larger portion of thevideo or completely cover the video.

[0078] The overlay menu 408 could appear in the commercial break for theprogram. This could appear like any other commercial or share the screenwith a commercial. For example, a promo for an upcoming show could havean overlay menu across the bottom allowing a recording to be easilyscheduled.

[0079] Other breaks, such as no signal being present on a channel, couldtrigger an overlay menu 408. For example, if the cable signal wasmissing on a channel, an appropriate message could be shown along withan overlay menu, cross-promoting other content. The signal could bemissing due to a temporary interruption or because the channel isunassigned. Alternatively, for channels that stop broadcasting at timesor put up a test screen, an overlay menu 408 could also be used.

[0080] In some cases, a video program is tunable, but that tuning isprevented for some reason. An overlay menu 408 could be shown in thesecircumstances also. For example, there may be limits on viewing aprogram or channel, such as, only five viewings of a particular programor category of programs being allowed or only twenty hours of viewing achannel or group of channels. Further, a user may not be entitled toview a particular program. The lack of entitlement could come from theuser not being subscribed or parental control mechanisms.

[0081] This embodiment includes four “soft” buttons 608, 612, 616, 620on the screen 408 for selecting alternative content. Each button 608,612, 616, 620 potentially corresponds to a group of programs. Thebuttons displayed and the programs grouped with the button could beculled by the information in the preference database 160 for User B416-2. The number of buttons displayed could be more or less than fourdepending on how many categories are available and likely to be chosenby the user. FIG. 6A places the buttons in a manner to cover a largerportion of the screen 408, while FIG. 6B groups the buttons near thebottom of the screen to obscure less of the underlying program. Someembodiments could shrink the height of the underlying video to allow forthe buttons 608, 612, 616, 620 and any user confirmation footer 412without clipping the video.

[0082] There are four categories 608, 612, 616, 620 to select in thisembodiment. The first category 608 includes recorded programs fromProvider A. In the second category 612 are programs playing in thelinear schedule for Provider A. Recorded programs from Provider B are inthe third category 616. The last category 620 has programs of Provider Cthat are playing in the linear schedule. The group of programscorresponding to each button 608, 612, 616, 620 could have any commonfeature that defines the group, such as, linear or stored program,content provider identity, genre, time period in which the programs werestored (e.g., recorded today, this week, this month, etc), type of show(e.g., movie, mini-series, sitcom, etc.), description including a searchterm, etc. The possible common feature can be predefined or defined bythe user.

[0083] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, screen shots 408 illustratingembodiments of an overlay menu cross-promoting other programs customizedfor the user are shown. This embodiment shows a variable number ofalternative program selectable by a corresponding button 708, 712, 716,720. The list of programs is customized for User C 416-2 in thisembodiment as indicated on user confirmation footer 412. The alternativeprograms could be limited to a particular content provider or group ofproviders. The content provider could the same as program just viewedwhen the overlay menu 408 is triggered by exiting the viewing of aprogram. Where the overlay menu 408 is triggered by changing to achannel, the program selections could be for SVOD, VOD or linearprograms associated with the content provider for that channel.

[0084] Referring next to FIGS. 8A and 8B, screen shots illustratingembodiments of an overlay menu 408 cross-promoting other programs in amanner customized for User C 416-3 are shown. This embodiment showscategories of programs selectable by button 808, 812, 816, 820. Thefirst button 808 shows the possible SVOD programs the user is authorizedto watch. Programs available in the linear schedule are shown when thesecond button 812 is selected. VOD programs are selectable through thethird button 816. The last button 820 allows selecting the recordedprograms from the linear schedule. User C 416-3 could customize whichbuttons are shown on this screen and how many category buttons areincluded.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 9, a flow diagram illustrating anembodiment of a process for profiling a user for customization of theset top box 120 is shown. The depicted portion of the process begins instep 904 where any preferences set at the factory or a prior owner ofthe set top box 120 can be reset during the initialization process. Instep 928, a determination is made by the user on whether to allow theviewing habits of the user to affect a profile for the user. In somecases, the profile could be reported away from the user location. Aprivacy policy may be presented to the user for authorization beforeallowing recording of the user's viewing habits and/or reporting thisinformation away from the user location.

[0086] Where the user wishes to have the viewing habits adapt theprofiles for one or more users, processing continues to step 932 wherethe users of the set top box 120 are specified. Names can be entered foreach user. A guest profile can be specified that will not accumulate anypreference information, unless the user wants accumulation for thatprofile. In some cases of step 928, the user(s) may not want anyadaptation to his or her viewing habits such that processing continuesto step 930 where a default or generic profile is used withoutmodification based upon viewing habits. The generic profile can beupdated periodically to reflect viewing habits of a group of users. Forexample, screens promoting the popular shows as they are determinedcould be suggested.

[0087] In step 908, the user may choose to apply a prepackaged profileor not. Also, a prepackaged profile can be specified with modificationsin step 924. The prepackaged profile can be specified even if trackingof the viewing habits is performed. Over time, a prepackaged profilethat tracks viewing habits would slowly become customized. Where aprepackaged profile is used without tracking, the profile would remainstatic. In step 912, one or more prepackaged classifications and/orcategories can be specified to characterize the user. Some of theseclassifications and/or categories include various genres, top ratedcontent, content based upon age or other demographic information,content found generally popular by other users, content found popular byother similar users, etc. The top rated content could be according tosome category or genre or could be selected by a specified critic ororganization, for example, only top rated movies or top rated westernshows or only movies approved by the motion pictures rating associationto have a “G” rating. Once classifications and/or categories areselected, they are retrieved from the local program request database 604in step 916 and added to the user's preferences.

[0088] In step 920, the user can choose to enter more specific profileinformation. This information can supplement the default profileinformation or be the only information to initially characterize theuser. The specific profile information can augment the profile changesresulting from observing of the viewing habits of the user. The manuallyentered information can be search terms, favorite shows, channels,and/or a time period to record programs on a specified channel. Also,the manually entered information can include negative terms such asexcluding programs containing a search term, actor, genre, channel,and/or time period for a specified channel. For example, the user canspecify recording everything on channel ten between eight and ten atnight or could prevent recording of any program with John Doe as anactor. Also, the content of any cross-promotion windows could bedesignated for a particular user.

[0089] This embodiment allows defining preference information for eachuser in a serial fashion, although other embodiments could allowspecification of the preference information for each user at each of theabove steps. Where there is another user, in step 922, processing loopsback to step 908 to allow entry of preference information for anotheruser. Any number of users can have their viewing habits influence theirprofile, apply a default profile, and enter manual profile information.

[0090] Once all users are configured, the guides are customized in step940 according to preferences that are either entered by the user orderived from the user's viewing habits. Customization can be based uponan aggregate profile for all users (i.e., where only one user isspecified) or can be a user-specific profile for that user.Automatically determining the user with the confirmation footer 412assists in this customization. If the determined user is wrong, theactual user can override the automatic determination. In step 944, theviewing habits for the current user are determined and the profile isupdated for that user. After viewing any program, the user can bequeried to determine if the program was liked in step 948. This querycould be along a sliding and graduated scale, such as one to five, for aprogram. The user can also indicate which actors were liked, if thegenre was liked, if the director or musical score was liked, etc. Theanswers to these questions influence the profile of the user. In step952, older viewing habits, preference data and/or survey questions canbe aged for deletion after a period of time. For example, informationmore than a quarter-year old could be deleted or older information couldbe deleted after the viewing habit data reaches a certain size. The usercan specify how long viewing habit data should influence the profile.

[0091] Referring next to FIG. 10, a flow diagram illustrating anembodiment of a process for determining and confirming the usercurrently using the set top box 120 is shown. Where there are multipleusers of a set top box 120, identifying the user allows gatheringviewing habits for each user separately and presenting guide screenscustomized for the current user. The depicted portion of the processbegins in step 1004 where the set top box 120 observes the viewinghabits of the current user. Things such as the programs viewed, theduration of viewing each channel, the timing of interaction with theremote control buttons, time of day, etc. are used to determine theprobable identity of the current user in step 1008. Other embodimentscould use other biometric techniques.

[0092] In step 1012, the set top box 120 determines if the current userhas changed. Where the user is believed by the set top box 120 to be adifferent user, a user confirmation footer 412 is displayed in step1020. The current user can correct the determined current user in theconfirmation footer 412. A correction will adjust the profile for thecurrent user in step 1028 to allow more accurately recognizing that userin the future. In step 1032, the older viewing habits are removed from auser's profile to update a running sample of viewing habits. Someembodiments could also age preference information entered by the userand remove the older preference information along with the older viewinghabits.

[0093] Where the set top box 120 believes the user is unchanged in step1012 and the identity of the user has not been confirmed recently asdetermined in step 1016, processing loops back to step 1020 for displayof a user confirmation footer 412. Where the user has confirmed theiridentity recently, processing continues to step 1028. For example, theuser confirmation footer 412 could be displayed if the user has notconfirmed their identity this week. Other embodiments could use othertime periods. The time period could be measured with a calendar or couldbe measured in hours of interaction by the user with the set top box120. The user can specify how often identity can be questioned.

[0094] Referring next to FIG. 11, a screen shot depicting an embodimentof a guide screen 1100 showing promotional information 1108 for a numberof programs is shown. The guide 1100 could display the programs on thelocal program server 204, the SVOD selections available, the VODselections available, linearly scheduled programs, or a mix of thesetypes of programs. Any guide could be customized according topreferences for the user. For example, the six depicted programs couldbe from channels the user specified in their profile or could beprograms the set top box 120 has determined the user will enjoy. A guidetitle (not shown) would indicate which types of programs are beingdisplayed in the guide. By viewing the guide 1100 with the six programzones of this embodiment, the user can quickly determine a program toplay.

[0095] The guide screen 1100 could be shown when changing channels orviewing of a program has ceased, for example. The programs shown on theguide screen 1100 could be selected from the context of the contentprovider of the show that was just watched or the content provider oraffiliate associated with the channel tuned to. For example, the userstopped playing a SVOD selection from Content Provider A and a guidescreen 1100 is displayed that shows other selections from ContentProvider A that could be tailored to the user's profile.

[0096] Using keys on the remote, for example, the user can move thefocus to any of the promotional information areas 1108. The promotionalinformation is stored in the guide database 164. The promotionalinformation could include a video clip, a video clip with audioaccompaniment, an audio clip, a still image with audio accompaniment, ananimation, an animation with audio accompaniment, a still image, aplurality of still images, and/or a plurality of still images with audioaccompaniment. When a particular zone is in focus, any sound for thatimage is played while the sound for the other images is muted. Further,moving focus to a particular zone may highlight that promotionalinformation 1108 and provide enhanced summary information 1104 for thatprogram. For example, a larger version of the image 1108 could bedisplayed when that zone is in focus. In some embodiments, the image1108 may switch between two possibilities when that zone is in focus.For example, a static image could be shown until that zone is broughtinto focus where a moving image or animation is presented.

[0097] By pressing a button on the remote while focus is on a particularimage 1108 or zone, the corresponding program can be played. A menu pageor menu overlay may be activated by that button to allow playing aprogram, subscribing to a club or subscription service for that program,authorizing a one-time fee to view the program, playing or deleting astored program, etc. In some embodiments, moving focus to a particularzone presents buttons on the guide screen corresponding to some of theseoptions in lieu of a separate menu page or menu overlay.

[0098] The promotional information 1108 and/or program descriptions 1104may be made general to a number of programs. For example, a clip 1108for a series of programs could be reused for each program in the serieswhere the program descriptions 1104 could change for each episode. Insome embodiments, there may be default promotional information 1108and/or program descriptions 1104 for a particular channel such that ifno specific information were provided the default promotionalinformation 1108 and/or program descriptions 1104 could describe theparticular channel.

[0099] The six zones of the guide 1100 each describe a particularprogram with summary information 1104, promotional information 1108, andcontent provider information 1112. The program could be an audio orvideo program. Summary information 1104 is provided for each program andcould include, for example: a title, a description, a program length, astart time for programs in the linear schedule, actors, a contentadvisory rating, a reviewers rating, and/or other information.

[0100] Each zone has promotional information 1108 which could be astatic or dynamic image, such as a picture, advertisement, video clip,audio clip, slide show of images, animated image, etc. This promotionalinformation 1108 is stored in the local guide database 164 for thisembodiment, but could be stored remote to the user location in otherembodiments. Where the program associated with the zone is a currentlyplaying program, a live view of that program could be displayed. Wherethere are not enough tuning resources to dedicate a tuner for eachcurrently playing program, the tuner resources could cycle through thelive programs to capture a still frame such that the promotionalinformation 1108 is updated with a static image or small clip before thetuner resource(s) is switched to the next zone. Other embodiments couldreceive promotional information 1108 from a datachannel, for example, aDOCSIS or other packet-switched network.

[0101] Each zone also has content provider information 1112. In thisembodiment, the content provider information includes a channel and callsign associated with the content provider, but could also include alogo, a language, a nationality, etc. Further, the program of each zonecould be influenced by the profile of the current user. The userconfirmation footer 412 could be used to verify or change the currentuser.

[0102] Some zones in the depicted embodiment of the guide 1100 furtherinclude a notification symbol 1116. A notification symbol 1116 indicatesthat the program associated with that zone is immediately available forplayback with full or partial control of the playback as a VOD, SVOD orrecorded program. Those zones without the symbol are part of the linearschedule and can be watched while the program is broadcast, but are notcurrently stored so as to allow rewinding, etc. The notification symbol1116 could have a number of variants to indicate the type of program(e.g., stored program, SVOD or club program, VOD program), limitedavailability of the program, a charge is associated with viewing theprogram, the content provider associated with the program, etc. Thenotification symbol can be a static icon or an animated icon.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 12, a screen shot illustrating anotherembodiment of a guide 1200 showing promotional information 1108 for anumber of programs is shown. This embodiment has four zones to displayinformation on four programs at a time. These four zones could share thescreen with a grid of program guide information such that it weresituated to the right or left of the program grid or video. Otherembodiments could have two zones, eight zones or any number of zones forany number of programs. As the resolution of display screens increase socan the number of zones such that the promotional information 1108 hasadequate resolution. For example, a HDTV system could have more zones ina guide than the resolution of a NTSC system could support adequately.Wide aspect-ratio television screens could display this information inthe unused pillar box portions. Conversely, standard aspect ratiotelevisions could display this information in the unused letter boxportions.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 13, a screen shot illustrates anembodiment of a guide screen 1300 showing a linear schedule of programs1304 where a program can be selected for further information. The guidescreen 1300 could be accessible in the menu system or as across-promotion. A current time indicator 1310 shows the time of daywith respect to the schedule grid.

[0105] In this embodiment, a program 1351-5 playing between 8:00 and10:00 and on Channel B 1316-2 is selected as indicated by the boldoutline, but other embodiments could change the color, shading, orotherwise indicate that a program is selected. Selection of the programautomatically brings up the promotional information 1108 for thatprogram 1351-5. Promotional information 1108, a program description1104, any notification symbol 1116, and a channel and call sign 1112 isshown for the selected program 1351-5. Pressing the select button on theremote brings up a window that allows watching the program in the guide1300 or full-screen. If the user is not authorized for watching a SVOD,VOD or premium content program, the user is solicited to upgrade theirservice to allow watching the program.

[0106] The linear schedule of programs in this embodiment is arranged ina grid of times along one axis and digital channels along the otheraxis. Although this embodiment receives programs on digital channels,any of embodiments in this application could receive programs on analogchannels, packet switched channels, etc. This embodiment divides thetime axis into half-hour increments 1308 for a total of six hours,however, other embodiments could use different increments 1308 and adifferent total. A day of the week 1312 is in the upper-left corner ofthe program grid 1304.

[0107] Six channels 1316 are displayed in this embodiment, while otherembodiments could have more or less channels displayed. Each channel1316 in this embodiment has a channel number and call sign displayed,where each program in the grid 1304 displays a title for each program.The programs may be of different lengths, for example, channel F 1316-6has a three hour program 1355-1, a hour show 1355-2 and a two hour showsplaying between 4:00 and 10:00. A notification symbol 1116 for theselected program 1351-5 and another program 1353-2 indicates the programis also immediately available with playback manipulation as a storedprogram, a VOD program or a SVOD program.

[0108] With reference to FIG. 14, a screen shot illustrating anotherembodiment of the guide menu 1400 shows a linear schedule of programs1404 where a column of programs can be selected for further information.The guide menu could be part of the guide in the set top box 120 or as across-promotion menu. Where a time column is selected, all the programsplaying during that time are detailed in the top portion of the guide1400 with promotional information 1108, description information 1104 andcontent provider information 1112. In this embodiment, four channels1316 are displayed in the bottom portion of the guide 1400 with fourdetailed programs in the top portion of the guide 1400. By selecting aparticular program in this embodiment, the guide transforms to detailthat single program such as is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13.Selecting a column switches back to the guide 1400 shown in FIG. 14.Some embodiments may have the same number of channels 1316 regardless ofwhether a single program or a whole column of programs are detailed.Using the remote, the user may increase the number programs detailed inthe top portion and the number of channels displayed in the guide 1400.

[0109] This embodiment allows selecting a whole column of programs formore detailed information. Other embodiments could also allow selectinga whole row of programs for more detailed information such that a numberof programs for a given channel 1316 are displayed. For example, ChannelA 1316-1 could be selected by focusing on the call sign. This woulddetail three programs in the top half of the guide. Since the top halfof the guide screen could show one, two, four, six, eight programseasily, selecting a channel with a number of programs between that valuecould increase the number of detailed programs appropriately. Forexample, selecting Channel B 1316-2 could detail six programs in the tophalf of the guide 1400 by pulling the program that starts at 10:00 suchthat six programs could be detailed at once.

[0110] Referring next to FIG. 15, a screen shot illustrating yet anotherembodiment of the guide menu 1500 is shown that illustrates a linearschedule of programs customized for the user. This embodiment shows theuser confirmation footer 412. User C 416-3 is the determined user inthis embodiment. The grid of channels 1316-2 is chosen according to thepreferences of user C 416-3. The actual user can correct the determineduser by moving the selection to himself or herself. Any correction wouldupdate the channel grid according to any customizations of the profilefor the actual user. Further, the actual user could further customizehow and when the guide menu 1500 appeared.

[0111] With reference to FIG. 17, a screen shot illustrating anembodiment of letterbox screen 1600 is shown with menu information inunused portions. The unused portions of a letterbox screen 1600 aboveand below a video portion 1608 can be used to present cross-promotionmenu information. The menus could be ephemeral or persistent. In thisembodiment, the menus are ephemeral if activated when the video is inmotion, but persistent when the video is paused or stopped. Othercontexts could trigger either the ephemeral or persistent versions ofthe menus, for example, the menu could be persistent during the openingor closing credits or during a commercial break.

[0112] The letterbox screen 1600 could display any number of menuconfigurations in the unused portions. This embodiment shows a linearschedule 1304 of programs in the bottom portion and detailed information1604 on a particular program in the top portion. Some embodiments couldhave detailed information on a number of shows, for example, from aselected column of the linear schedule 1304. Other embodiments couldinclude program categories or a number of programs in the unusedportions. The content provider could include metadata with the programto indicate its aspect ratio, which could be compared with the aspectratio of the television display to determine which portions are unused.Other embodiments could use pattern recognition to determine whichportions of the screen are unused. The menu information could appear inany number of configurations to support the different possiblecombinations of aspect ratios between the video and the televisiondisplay.

[0113] Referring next to FIG. 17, a screen shot illustrating anembodiment of a pillar box screen 1700 is shown with menu information inunused portions. This embodiment places categories of shows 1712, linearprogram schedule 1304 and show specific information 1704 on the unusedportions of the pillar box screen 1700. The user can select one or moreprograms in the linear schedule 1304 that will produce more showspecific information 1704 for those programs. Alternatively, a categoryof programs 808, 812, 816, 820 could be selected to produce showspecific information.

[0114] Where all the information in the show category section 1712,linear schedule section 1304 and show specific section cannot be seen,the user can scroll to respectively show more categories, linearschedule and show specific information 1704. In this embodiment, theSVOD program category 808 is selected, which causes show specificinformation to be displayed on three SVOD selections. Scrolling in theleft unused portions allows showing show specific information 1704 onadditional programs in that category 808. The left unused portion couldcurtail the information on each selection in the chosen category toallow displaying specific information on more programs. Selection of aspecific program will cause it to be displayed in the video portion1708.

[0115] With reference to FIG. 18A, a flow diagram is shown of anembodiment of a process 1800-1 for cross-promotion when viewing of aclub program is unsuccessfully attempted. In this embodiment, the userattempts to switch from a linearly scheduled program to a SVODequivalent. Where such a switch is unauthorized or otherwiseunavailable, a cross-promotion menu is shown. That cross-promotion menucould show categories of alternatives, the linear schedule and/orselections of alternative programs, for example, see the embodiments inFIGS. 6A-8B and FIGS. 11-15. Although this embodiment addresses ascenario when a SVOD program is unauthorized or unavailable, otherembodiments could address situations where any stored program isunavailable, for example, a VOD program or a previously recorded linearprogram could be now unauthorized or unavailable.

[0116] The depicted portion of the process 1800-1 begins in step 1804where a user watches a program in the linear schedule. In step 1808, anattempt is made to temporally manipulate playback such that viewingswitches to a stored version of the program. That program could bestored at the user location, a neighborhood node, the headend, orelsewhere in the video delivery plant. Availability and authorization isverified in step 1812. A notification symbol 116 is shown for programsthat can be viewed as a SVOD selection. In some cases, the program isnot available as a SVOD selection or has be deleted for some reason. Atother times, the user may not be authorized to view the club or SVODprograms. Some embodiments could attempt to recruit the user to join theclub or pay for a VOD viewing of the program.

[0117] Where the equivalent stored version of the program is availableand the user is a club member, processing continues from step 1812 tostep 1816. The point in the stored program that corresponds to the pointin the linear playback of the program is found in step 1816. Asseamlessly as possible, the stored version is switched to in step 1820.From that time forward, the user can view the program with full controlof playback.

[0118] Where either the program is unavailable or the user is notauthorized to view the program processing continues from step 1812 tostep 1824. The preferences and profile are retrieved for the user instep 1824 from the preference database 160. The user could be shown theuser confirmation footer 412 such that any corrections to could be made.Any correction would result in the preferences and profile for that userbeing retrieved to replace the previous information.

[0119] In step 1829, the context of the navigation is considered such aswhether there is underlying video to display with the menu, whether thevideo is in letterbox or pillar box format, what type of program wasbeing viewed before the interruption, etc. The context is used whendetermining which configuration of cross-promotion menu and if afull-screen or partial screen, ephemeral or persistent, and/or opaque ortransparent cross-promotion menu should be used in step 1830.Additionally, displaying menu information on unused portions of thescreen is considered where the video is in letterbox or pillar-boxformat. When determining the type and placement of the menu, any userpreferences are also considered.

[0120] Some embodiments could consider content affiliations in theconsideration of context. In this case, only cross-promotions ofaffiliated programs would be allowed. The content provider associatedwith the stored program or linear channel giving rise to the crosspromotion could define the programs that could be cross-promoted. Thecontent provider may only allow cross-promotion of their own content onthis and/or other channels. Other content providers could be charged afee for inclusion in the cross-promotion. Some content providers mayforgo the opportunity to cross-promote for some or all shows theyprovide.

[0121] Once the type of menu and placement is determined, preparationsare made to display that menu. Information is gathered from the guidedatabase 164 to populate the cross-promotion menu in step 1831.Generally, the user preferences and viewing habits are used to determinethe alternatives to present to the user. Also, product placementarrangements with content providers could be considered to influence thecategories and programs presented to the user. In this embodiment, anopaque and partial-screen menu is used in step 1832 to display otherstored programs similar to the manner of the embodiment in FIG. 7B. Theportion of the screen not covered by the partial-screen menu shows theoriginal program in the linear schedule. In this embodiment, thecross-promotion menu is ephemeral and fades after a period of timeunless navigation within the menu is performed.

[0122] Viewed from the perspective of the user, the interaction wouldbegin with the user attempting to manipulate playback. The manipulationwould occur if available and authorized. Where either unavailable orunauthorized, a partial-screen menu would appear that would suggestalternative programs that are stored and available for playback. Thelinear program could be shrunk to accommodate the cross-promotioninformation while playback of linear program continues. Navigation inthe menu could be performed to activate an alternative stored program.

[0123] Referring next to FIG. 18B, a flow diagram is shown of anembodiment of a process 1800-2 for cross-promotion when viewing of astored program is ended, stopped or paused. The depicted portion of theprocess 1800-2 begins in step 1840 where the user is watching a storedprogram. This program could be a SVOD, VOD or program recorded from thelinear schedule. In step 1844, the program is paused, stopped or ended,which triggers the cross-promotion menu. Some embodiments could wait aperiod of time after the pause, stop or end before displaying across-promotion menu. Where a program becomes unavailable someembodiments could display a menu also, for example, when there is acable outage during playback of a linear or stored program.

[0124] The remaining steps of the process are largely explained inrelation to FIG. 18A. The context considerations in this embodiment areunique. When the program has ended, a full-screen opaque menu ispresented to the user for selecting another program. Where the storedprogram was initiated from a linear program, the menu could be partialscreen and transparent with the current program from the original linearchannel playing underneath. Where a program is stopped or paused, thecross-promotion menu appears over a portion of the screen with the stillimage of the interrupted video partially covered. The menu could bepartially transparent in portions to allow more of the still image to beperceptible.

[0125] Some embodiments could show a cross-channel promotion menu duringcertain times in temporal manipulation. For example, when various speedsof fast forward and rewind are activated, a cross-channel promotion menucould be activated to partially cover the screen. The video could beclipped or shrunk to accommodate the portion of the screen used for themenu.

[0126] With reference to FIG. 18C, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 1800-3 for cross-promotion when tuning channels is shown. Whenchanging channels or tuning to a channel, this embodiment displays crosspromotion information. Tuning channels of analog video occurs relativelyquickly, but compressed and/or digital channels can take some time totune. In some cases, there isn't any tunable signal on a particularchannel. This embodiment places a full-screen cross-promotion menu whereno video is currently available and a partial-screen cross-promotionmenu that is ephemeral where there is a video signal.

[0127] The depicted portion of the process begins in step 1848, wherethe user changes to a new channel or otherwise tunes to a channel. Insome cases, the tuning could be to the same channel where the signal hasbeen interrupted for some reason such that signal interruptions wouldalso trigger the cross-promotion menu. After steps 1824 and 1829 areperformed as described above, a decision in step 1852 decides if a videosignal can be displayed. A video signal could be missing because it isnot there, too weak, encrypted or scrambled, still being decoded, etc.Steps 1830, 1831 and 1832-2 are performed as above to display thefull-screen cross-promotion menu in a loop until a program is displayedfor the user. In some systems, a video signal could be displayed withartifacts for a period of time before a normal video signal isdisplayed. During that artifact period, a full-screen or partial screenmenu could be visible to the user.

[0128] Once a video signal is displayed, as determined in step 1852,processing continues to steps 1830, 1831, 1832-1, and 1836 in the mannerdescribed in relation to the other figures. A partial-screen menu isdisplayed in step 1832-1, but ephemerally fades away in step 1836.

[0129] Referring next to FIG. 18D, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 1800-4 for cross-promotion during a commercial break is shown.This embodiment allows inserting a cross-promotion menu into acommercial break. The depicted portion of the process 1800-4 begins instep 1854 where a user views a stored or live program with interlineatedcommercials. A point of insertion in a commercial break is detected instep 1856. A full-screen cross-promotion menu could be inserted like acommercial or a partial-screen cross-promotion menu could be insertedfor one or more of the existing commercials. The partial-screen crosspromotion menu could be ephemeral in some embodiments.

[0130] Processing continues through steps 1824, 1829, 1830, 1831, and1832 as described above. After the allotted time for the cross-promotionmenu has expired it is removed or fades to allow other commercials or areturn to the program. The insertion points could be embedded asmetadata in the program or sent through a separate signaling channel tothe set top box 120. Alternatively, the insertion could be performedremote to the user location. Some embodiments could insertcross-promotion menus into the video being played such that insertion isnot limited to a commercial break. For example, every half hour apartial-screen menu could overlay the video presentation. Thesecross-promotions could also be timed to certain events in the show suchas scene changes or slow moving portions. Also, the cross-promotioncould be tied to the alternative content. For example, the menu couldappear while watching a movie to note that half-time has ended for asports event that might be of interest to the user.

[0131] Referring next to FIG. 19, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 1900 for authorizing and monitoring curtailment of advertisingis shown. The STB 120 can automatically determine commercial breaks inprograms. Alternatively, the STB 120 can be told where the commercialsappear in programs. Data indicating the position of the advertisementsin a program could be embedded in the program itself or could be sentseparately from the program. In this embodiment, the location of thecommercials is sent separately from the program in an encrypted channel.By knowing where the advertising appears in a program, those commercialscan be removed. Control can be applied to the removal of commercials.

[0132] These commercials can appear in linearly scheduled programs orfree VOD (FVOD) programs. FVOD programs include interlineatedcommercials with a VOD experience that is generally without monetarycost to the user. These interlineated commercials can appear at thebeginning, end and/or throughout the program. Also, the interlineatedcommercials could be presented in a portion or a window of the screenwhile another portion is devoted to playing the program. In some cases,the commercials can be superimposed upon the program to appear as ifthey were part of the program when originally filmed. The superimposedcommercial could be sent to the set top box 120, which would merge thecommercial with the video according to position and timingspecifications sent to the set top box 120. Some embodiments could placethese commercials in the unused portions of a letterbox or pillar boxvideo display. Other embodiments could shrink the video image to makeroom to display the commercial without clipping the video images.

[0133] In this embodiment, the depicted portion of the process begins instep 1904 where the advertising options for a user are determined. Insome embodiments, the user would pay for the ability to curtail oreliminate some or all advertising. Various options are available forcurtailing advertisement such as removal of all advertising, removal ofcertain classes of advertising, removal of commercials for certainproducts, removal of superimposed commercials, removal of interlineatedcommercials during the program, removal of commercials during temporalmanipulation, removal of commercials at the beginning of the program,removal of commercials at the end of the program, removal ofcross-promotion menus, allowing skipping of a single commercial,allowing skipping of a whole commercial break, allowing some or alltemporal manipulation commands during a commercial, allowing orpreventing targeted advertising customized for the user, allowing theopening or closing credits of a program to be skipped or temporallymanipulated, and/or allowing removal of some or all windowedcommercials. For example, users may be able to view a linear programwith temporal manipulation from an attached DVR. A first user may not beable to fast-forward through a commercial break, but a second user wouldnot even see the commercials during playback. Subsets of commercials canbe treated differently with the advertising options, those subsets mayexclude certain types of products. For example, certain communitiescould block commercials relating to alcohol or firearms when the programis played in a classroom.

[0134] In step 1908, the programs that can have the advertising optionsapplied are determined. Generally, advertising appears in free linearlyscheduled programs and FVOD programs. Some embodiments may allowmanipulation of the commercials in all programs. In other cases, thecontent provider may only allow some programs to have the ability skipcommercials, opening/closing credits, or otherwise temporally manipulatethese portions. The advertising options for each user are communicatedto the appropriate STBes 120 in step 1912. The advertising options couldapply to all STBes 120 in a user location or a subset of the STBes inthe user location. These options could be stored in the preferencedatabase 160. Appropriate encryption and digital rights management stepsare taken to prevent alteration of the advertising options byunauthorized persons.

[0135] In steps 1916 and 1920, audit information is received from thevarious STBes 120 in the system and recorded. This audit informationindicates how the advertising options were utilized, which commercialswere viewed, which commercials were skipped and/or which programs werewatched. This audit information could be gathered per account, per user,per user location, and/or per set top box. In some embodiments, the usermay get credits for watching some advertising. These credits could beapplied against debits for watching other programs with curtailedadvertising or otherwise paid to the user. In some cases, the user canoverride their default advertising options to allow more advertising toincrease the credits. The audit information can be used to determineviewership for a particular commercial. Viewership information could beused to more accurately charge advertisers for the impressions they havereceived and the relative quality of the user receiving the impression.In some cases, viewership of commercials are not correlated to a user'sactual identity to protect their privacy. But, the advertiser may beable to get some demographic information on the user or get somepreference information for the user.

[0136] In step 1924, the process can be repeated after a given interval.In this embodiment, the advertising options for shows are downloaded tothe STBes 120 daily, but other embodiments could use other intervals.Although some of the above embodiments seem directed to allowingskipping or manipulation of commercials, other embodiments are not solimited. For example, previews, credits and/or warning messages for amovie could be selectively skipped or could have temporal manipulationdisabled such that they must be played.

[0137] In other embodiments, the user interacts with a neighborhood orheadend store 148, 144 remote to the user that is streaming the programto the user rather than having the program stored locally in a programstore 208 of a DVR or set top box 120. A dedicated channel is used tosupply the program to the user with MPEG-2 transport, for example. Otherembodiments could use packet switched transport over a network todeliver the program. The remote server formulates the programs forplayback and receives temporal manipulation commands from the user. Thetemporal manipulation may or may not be allowed by the remote serverbased, at least in part, on the position of playback in the program andthe advertising options of the user.

[0138] With reference to FIG. 20, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2000 for implementing the curtailment of advertising is shown.The advertising options are received by a STB 120 in step 2004. FVOD orlinearly scheduled programs are received in step 2008. In someembodiments, the FVOD programs are downloaded from a network or could berecorded from the linear schedule. The advertising options, which couldbe global or unique to a particular program or class or programs, arecorrelated to the programs in step 2012.

[0139] In step 2016, the user can request playback of a program that theadvertising options apply to. In step 2020, the playback experience ismodified by the STB 120 according to the advertising options. Otherembodiments could modify the playback experience remote to the userlocation. Interaction with the commercials is monitored during playback.That interaction is reported back to the headend in step 2024.Monitoring interaction allows for accounting monetary costs and/ormonetary credits and allows determining viewership rates for acommercial.

[0140] Referring next to FIG. 21A, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-1 for playing a program with interlineated commercials isshown. In steps 2104 and 2108, a determination is made that the programbeing played back has interlineated commercials that must be watched.The user may be given the ability to fast forward or rewind throughlarge portions of the program and any commercial breaks to move to adifferent portion of the playback. The ability to manipulate playbackcould be disabled or crippled when a program is playing and a commercialbreak is approaching. This crippling would prevent the user fromavoiding the commercial break from playing in the normal manner. Someembodiments could also prevent the television volume or mute functionson the television from being altered during the commercial break.

[0141] Whenever a temporal manipulation is received such as in step2112, the STB 120 determines if it is allowed. The request is correlatedto the commercials that will be encountered in light of the temporalmanipulation in step 2112. For example, when approaching a commercialbreak or during a commercial break a rewind manipulation is to betreated differently from a fast-forward manipulation. The rewind isallowed, but the fast-forward is not in this embodiment. A determinationis made in step 2120 to see if the manipulation is to avoid a requiredsegment such as a commercial, cross-promotion menu, credit or warning.

[0142] Where avoidance is not determined to be the purpose of themanipulation, it is allowed in step 2124. If avoidance is presumed to bethe purpose of the manipulation, an error icon or message is displayedon the screen in step 2128. Other embodiments could cause an error tonewhen not allowed or the STB 120 could simply ignore the command. Someembodiments could allow the user to avoid these lockouts by paying a feeor applying credits.

[0143] With reference to FIG. 21B, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-2 for playing a program with interlineated commercials isshown where those commercials can be individually skipped. In thisembodiment, single commercials can be skipped upon recognizing operationin this mode by the set top box 120 in step 2132. Some embodiments mayonly allow a subset of the commercials to be skipped or a number of thecommercials in the program to be skipped. For example, alcoholcommercials could be skipped or half of the commercials could be skippedin the program. When the user fast-forwards or asks to skip a commercialin step 2136, playback fast-forwards or skips to the next commercial.For example, avoiding five commercials in a commercial break entailspressing the skip button on the remote five times. There could beembodiments that allow skipping multiple commercials at one time. Instep 2140, avoidance of a commercial is recorded in the audit trail.

[0144] The user could be charged a fixed or variable amount for eachcommercial skipped or could pay a flat fee for unlimited commercialskipping. Conversely, the user could be paid a fixed or variable amountto not skip a commercial. A point system of credits and debits could beused in some embodiments. The bonus or cost for a commercial could beindicated by an icon. For example, a 2.5 point commercial could bedenoted by two and a half dollar-sign icons. A user may get 1,000 orsome other amount of skip credit points for a month based upon theirservice subscription. The amount of credit points would be reduced asthe user skips commercials. The user could set thresholds, such as skipall or only allow skipping of commercials that cost less than athreshold like 5 credits.

[0145] Some embodiments could monitor presence of the user duringplayback or skipping of a commercial. A video detector or infra-redsensor could be used to determine if one or more users are present whena commercial is being played or skipped. Credits or debits could becharged per capita or charged to specific users. For example, skipping acommercial would only cost a credit point(s) when the preceding orfollowing portions of the program had a user watching those portions.The users of the set top box 120 could have separate accounts for pointsor charges such that credits and debits are assigned individually. Facerecognition of users could be performed with the video detector. In somecases, credits or debits could be spread among the viewing users. Forexample, a commercial that cost 2.5 credit points to skip could bedivided among the five viewers such that each only paid a half creditpoint. Similarly, credits for viewing programs could be multiplied forthe number of users viewing the commercial.

[0146] Referring next to FIG. 21C, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-3 for playing a program with interlineated commercialbreaks is shown that allows skipping of a whole commercial break. Acommercial break, the credits and/or a warning, wherever it appears inthe program, can be skipped or fast-forwarded through in this embodimentwhen that mode is detected in step 2144. For example, pressing the skipbutton on the remote during a commercial break including a number ofcommercials in step 2148 will skip past all those commercials and beginplayback of the program immediately after those commercials. Debits orcost for skipping could be accumulated for the whole commercial break.Some embodiments could skip portions of the commercial break and requireplayback of other portions.

[0147] With reference to FIG. 21D, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-4 for playing a program with up-front commercials is shownwhere those commercials cannot be skipped. In this embodiment, thecommercials are arranged at the beginning of the program. Adetermination is made in step 2152 that up-front commercials are to beused without the ability to skip them. Customized commercials or thoseinterlineated in the program are arranged for playback at the beginningof the program in step 2156. For example, a program could havecommercial breaks in the program. By knowing where those breaks are, thecommercials can be played whenever the user starts playback of theprogram. This could be done irrespective of whether the user beginsplayback from the beginning of the program. Any attempt to skip thesecommercials is ignored in this embodiment.

[0148] Other embodiments could move the commercials to the start ofviewing but allow skipping of one or more commercials or allowfast-forwarding through the commercials. Some embodiments could allowcertain speeds of fast-forward, but not others. For example, a 2xfast-forward would be allowed but any faster speeds would not be allowedduring some or all commercials. Some of the commercials could becustomized for the user, for example, cross-promotion menus.

[0149] Referring next to FIG. 21E, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-5 for playing a-program with commercials is shown where thecommercials are automatically removed from the program playback. Thecommercials in a program could be at the beginning, end or throughout.This embodiment seamlessly removes those commercials so playback appearscommercial free. Some embodiments could only remove the commercialsduring fast-forward or rewind, but not during playback. In step 2160, itis determined that the program should play commercial free. The positionof commercials is noted in step 2164. Autoskip commands are formulatedin step 2168. When playback reaches any of these autoskip commands theplayback skips to over the commercials in step 2172. Various embodimentscould also allow total or selective removal of any windowed commercialsthat appear on a portion of the screen.

[0150] With reference to FIG. 21F, a flow diagram of an embodiment of aprocess 2020-6 for playing a program is shown with automatic removal ofcommercial subsets from the program. In step 2176, it is determined thatautomatic skipping for some commercials is available in this mode. Thecommercials in the program are correlated to the categories allowed ornot-allowed in step 2180. Autoskip commands are formulated to skip onlythose commercials that should be excluded in step 2184. During playbackor temporal manipulation, some commercials are played while others arenot. In some of the embodiments of commercial manipulation, the user candisable the features for a particular program to override the defaulthandling. Where advertising is removed a debit could be applied, orwhere advertising is added a credit could be applied.

[0151] The categories of commercials may be skipped for any number ofreasons by the user. For example, commercial related to alcohol,cigarettes, cars, travel, men, women, kids, adults, etc. could beblocked by the user. The user could specify interests such thatalternative commercials could be chosen for the user or thosecommercials could be removed without replacement. Instead of specifyinginterests, the user could simply op-into various categories ofcommercials. Alternative commercials could be stored for to splice inthe alternative at the appropriate time. The preference database 160could hold the skip categories and interests for each user.

[0152] Some embodiments could allow a user to express interest in acommercial. The user could rank interest in particular commercials toallow more clearly defining the preferences of a user. Further, the usercould ask for more information on a particular commercial. By thatindication, additional information could be retrieved at that time orlater sent by mail, e-mail and/or telephone. The commercials found ofinterest could affect the profile for that user in the preferencedatabase 160.

[0153] A number of variations and modifications of the invention canalso be used. In different embodiments, the programs sent to the userscould be video or audio programs. Commercials could be skipped,rearranged and/or removed from those audio programs in a similar manner.The various embodiments described above use satellite and cable links toreceive programs, however packet switched networks such as the Internetcould also be used. Further, wireless, telephone or power line contentdistribution using digital or analog signals could also be used inaddition to other broadband distribution techniques. Additionally, thecontrol data channel to a set top box could also use the Internet tocommunicate between the set top box and headend or neighborhood node.

[0154] While the principles of the invention have been described abovein connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearlyunderstood that this description is made only by way of example and notas limitation on the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating a personalized menupromoting other video programs available from a video content deliverysystem, wherein the video content delivery system includes a pluralityof channels of video content simultaneously, the method comprising stepsof: determining that a triggering event has occurred with a videocontent delivery conduit; gathering first information about one or moreusers, wherein the one or more users are associated with an account withthe video content delivery system; determining alternative videoprograms personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part,upon the first information; analyzing context for the triggering eventto produce second information; determining a configuration of thepersonalized menu based, at least in part, upon the second information;and formulating the personalized menu for presentment to the one or moreusers, wherein the personalized menu comprises links to the alternativevideo programs.
 2. The method for generating the personalized menupromoting other video programs available from the video content deliverysystem, wherein the content delivery system provides the plurality Ofchannels of video content simultaneously as recited in claim 1, whereinthe triggering event is chosen from a group consisting of: stoppingplayback on the video content delivery conduit; pausing playback on thevideo content delivery conduit; ending playback on the video contentdelivery conduit; reaching a limit on viewing; detecting a parentalcontrol limitation on viewing; tuning to a new channel; determining achannel has been selected, but does not currently have a video contentstream that is tunable; determining a channel or a program is notauthorized for viewing; determining an aspect ratio mismatch between thevideo content stream and a display for the video content stream thatresults in unused portions of the display; and determining a periodictimer has expired.
 3. The method for generating the personalized menupromoting other video programs available from the video content deliverysystem, wherein the content delivery system provides the plurality ofchannels of video content simultaneously as recited in claim 1, whereinthe first information is derived from at least one of: viewing habits ofthe one or more users, and expressed interest of the one or more users.4. The method for generating the personalized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the video content delivery system, wherein thecontent delivery system provides the plurality of channels of videocontent simultaneously as recited in claim 1, wherein the firstinformation can be resolved to an individual of the one or more users.5. The method for generating the personalized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the video content delivery system, wherein thecontent delivery system provides the plurality of channels of videocontent simultaneously as recited in claim 1, wherein the secondinformation includes at least one of: full screen or partial screenpersonalized menu; transparent or opaque personalized menu; andephemeral or persistent personalized menu.
 6. The method for generatingthe personalized menu promoting other video programs available from thevideo content delivery system, wherein the content delivery systemprovides the plurality of channels of video content simultaneously asrecited in claim 1, wherein the second information includes size andplacement of the personalized menu.
 7. The method for generating thepersonalized menu promoting other video programs available from thevideo content delivery system, wherein the content delivery systemprovides the plurality of channels of video content simultaneously asrecited in claim 1, wherein the formulating step comprises determiningalternative video programs to present to the one or more users.
 8. Themethod for generating the personalized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the video content delivery system, wherein thecontent delivery system provides the plurality of channels of videocontent simultaneously as recited in claim 1, wherein the alternativevideo programs are either stored video programs or video programsplaying on other channels.
 9. The method for generating the personalizedmenu promoting other video programs available from the video contentdelivery system, wherein the content delivery system provides theplurality of channels of video content simultaneously as recited inclaim 1, wherein the video content delivery conduit is delivering astored video program or a video program in a linear schedule of videoprograms.
 10. A method for generating a customized menu promoting othervideo programs available from a video content delivery system, themethod comprising steps of: determining that a triggering event hasoccurred while a content program is selected for playback; determiningalternatives to the content program, wherein the alternatives are atleast one of: categories of video programs, and individual videoprograms; analyzing context for the triggering event; determining aconfiguration of the customized menu based, at least in part, upon thecontext; formulating the customized menu for presentment to the one ormore users, wherein the customized menu comprises links to thealternatives; and causing display of the customized menu to the one ormore users while the content program is selected for playback.
 11. Themethod for generating the customized menu promoting other video programsavailable from the content delivery system as recited in claim 10,wherein the second-listed determining step comprises determiningalternatives similar to the content program.
 12. The method forgenerating the customized menu promoting other video programs availablefrom the content delivery system as recited in claim 10, wherein thesecond-listed determining step comprises determining alternatives based,at least in part, upon past viewing habits of the one or more users. 13.The method for generating the customized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the content delivery system as recited in claim10, wherein the second-listed determining step comprises determiningalternatives based, at least in part, upon stated preferences of the oneor more users.
 14. The method for generating the customized menupromoting other video programs available from the content deliverysystem as recited in claim 10, wherein the triggering event is chosenfrom a group consisting of: stopping playback on the video contentdelivery conduit; pausing playback on the video content deliveryconduit; ending playback on the video content delivery conduit; reachinga limit on viewing; detecting a parental control limitation on viewing;tuning to a new channel; determining a channel has been selected, butdoes not currently have a video content stream that is tunable;determining a channel or a program is not authorized for viewing;determining an aspect ratio mismatch between the video content streamand a display for the video content stream that results in unusedportions of the display; and determining a periodic timer has expired.15. The method for generating the customized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the content delivery system as recited in claim10, wherein the formulating step comprises determining if aconfiguration of the customized menu is: full screen or partial screen;transparent or opaque; and ephemeral or persistent.
 16. The method forgenerating the customized menu promoting other video programs availablefrom the content delivery system as recited in claim 10, wherein thethird-listed determining step includes determining a size and placementof the customized menu.
 17. The method for generating the customizedmenu promoting other video programs available from the content deliverysystem as recited in claim 10, wherein the alternatives are eitherstored video programs or video programs playing on other channels. 18.The method for generating the customized menu promoting other videoprograms available from the content delivery system as recited in claim10, wherein the content program is either a stored video program or avideo program in a linear schedule of video programs.
 19. Acomputer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions forperforming the computer-implementable method for generating thecustomized menu promoting other video programs available from thecontent delivery system of claim
 10. 20. A computer system adapted toperform the computer-implementable method for generating the customizedmenu promoting other video programs available from the content deliverysystem of claim
 10. 21. A method for generating a personalized menupromoting other video programs available from a video content deliverysystem, wherein the video content delivery system provides a pluralityof channels of video content simultaneously, the method comprising stepsof: determining that a triggering event has occurred with a videocontent delivery conduit, wherein the triggering event is chosen from agroup consisting of: stopping playback on the video content deliveryconduit, pausing playback on the video content delivery conduit, endingplayback on the video content delivery conduit, reaching a limit onviewing, detecting a parental control limitation on viewing, tuning to anew channel, determining a channel has been selected, but does notcurrently have a video content stream that is tunable, determining achannel or a program is not authorized for viewing, determining anaspect ratio mismatch between the video content stream and a display forthe video content stream that results in unused portions of the display,and determining a periodic timer has expired; gathering firstinformation about one or more users, wherein the one or more users areassociated with an account with the video content delivery system,wherein the first information is derived from at least one of: viewinghabits of the one or more users, and expressed interest of the one ormore users; determining alternative video programs personalized for theone or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information,wherein the alternative video programs are either stored video programsor video programs playing on other channels; analyzing context for thetriggering event to produce second information; determining aconfiguration of the personalized menu based, at least in part, upon thesecond information; formulating the personalized menu for presentment tothe one or more users, wherein: the personalized menu comprises links tothe alternative video programs, and the formulating step comprisesdetermining alternative video programs to present to the one or moreusers; and causing display of the personalized menu to the one or moreuser while the video content delivery conduit is selected for playback.